Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: 5 lug wheels..... (Read 4156 times) previous topic - next topic

5 lug wheels.....

If I go to 5 lug, will SN-95 Stang wheels fit without fitment issues? Seriously thinking about it before I get new wheels.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #1 –
like these....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Single-17x10-5-Silver-Cobra-R-Wheel-Fits-Mustang-94-04-/280923474957?hash=item4168580c0d&item=280923474957&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

And these....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/17-Rim-Fits-Mustang-Cobra-Wheel-Silver-Rivets-17x9-/270982411771?hash=item3f17cf75fb&item=270982411771&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #2 –
Yep, those will fit with no issue, but just to be 110% sure, double check the backspacing all the same.

Also keep in mind that if you go this route, be sure to use the '94-'95 spindles...the 96+ will put the fronts out a bit farther than the 94-5 units will.

How are you going to do the rear?
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #3 –
I'd probably go with ranger axles out back, and I'm thinking about the rotors on the Coolcats website that are a direct replacement for mine.  I do worry about the drums, and would probably have to re-drill mine. Then, I wouldn't have to worry about spindles, brake lines, calipers, master cylinder, etc. The car stops fine as it is. I can actually get the wheels in 4 lug, but not in the 10.5 width like I have now...UNLESS I go 5 lug.

I also, may just stick with the 4 lug wheels. I can still use the 275 tires on the 9 inch rims, and I had planned on going from 9 inch wheels up front to 8 inch width wheels. Tossing around ideas. With paint coming up in July, I really don't need to be spending a lot of cash right now. I still have a short list of needed items for the Sport, and they do cost  Even if some are not real expensive, it's easy to nickel and dime it, and the Sport receives no money from the paychecks, so, I have to be careful as always.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #4 –
Vinnie, you have the TC rear in now, right?

Get some backing plates from a Sport 7.5, the Grand Marquis drums (1988 is the year I used) and some 94-98 Mustang axles (7.5 or 8.8, no difference), and assemble. I can give you all the part numbers for the brake stuff. I just ordered everything new for a Tbird Sport, but Ranger brakes may be a touch wider, as there is a little bit more real estate inside the Grand Marq drums...

This setup is on my Sport, and I seem to recall you have a drum 8.8 rear, IMO, this would be the most painless and fastest 5 lug conversion for you...unless you wanted to go rear disc..

Recap:

If you have a TC 8.8, then you'll need: '94-'98 Stang axles, again, 7.5 and 8.8 are dimensionally identical, save for the ABS rings and those can be knocked off with a hammer, you'll also need the Sport's 10" backing plates (hopefully you kept yours?) and order a pair of rear drums for an '88 Marquis/Crown Vic, and either reuse or order new a new brake drum kit (springs, adjusters, etc) for both sides, as I did.

Shoot me a text or a call if you want the part numbers, or any additional info :)

I think if you used ranger axles, you'd either have to use 9" brakes, or go to discs...there's a width difference, plus I had 10" backing plates and I knew the drum hat height was nearly identical between Spor drums and those of the Panther cars...

One other thing..... you may or may NOT need to put 5 flat washers on the studs before you put the drums on. One of mine (driver side) the drum contacted the backing plate until I did this. No issues...the brake shoes are in their proper place....I can send you the other 5 washers if you need them, if you go this route.

The rear track width stays essentially the same, as the SN95 axles are the same length as the TC/Sport axles, and the brake components are the same roughly in dimension as the Sport 10" brakes. You get 5 lug with the big drums, and not having the headache of changing your master cylinder, or swapping the prop valve, not to mention converting a brake line out back, and fiddling with a new park brake setup.
Also, your existing rear brake line can be used...indeed, I've still got my original 7.5 lines on my TC rear with this set up. Really, the only change in the long run is axles and drums, when it comes down to it. The Sport 10" backing plates are the key though.
Without them, it's no bueno.
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #5 –
I really am unsure of this swap. I didn't want to change the brakes, look for backing plates, and change virtually everything. May just end up staying with 4 lug. I thought I could keep my brakes and just swap the axles them selves and re-drill the drums. 4 lug looks like the better option for me at this point. I can't drop a lot of cash on these parts simply for a certain wheel when I can get virtually the same wheels in 4 lug. That's a lot of work and effort for 1 extra lug nut per wheel.

As I stated, my brakes stop the car just fine. I don't feel the need to upgrade them right now, and I wanted to keep it as simple as possible. I found where I can get the rotors for $150 shipped, direct swap. It's the rear. No Stangs around here, or old Crown Vics either at the boneyards.

No access to the Sport drums (mine are long gone), or backing plates.

I have to keep the costs way down as I said to allow painting the car this July, and get the new wheels and a few other bits and pieces. Something has to give somewhere. I take no funds from my paycheck for this car, so, that makes it interesting.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #6 –
why go 5 lug and then put a cobra rim on

chose a rim that they make in 5 lug ony so it unique .............. pricey but some steeda wheels would look good on your car

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #7 –
I am wanting a set of deep dish Cobra R wheels with the rivets in them...in silver with the polished lip. I don't really like Steeda wheels. I'll keep my current wheels as well. I do like them a lot, but with the new paint, I want to try something new to my car. I've had the Cobra R wheels before, and I did like them, but I thought I'd like them again....but mildly different......deeper wheels with polished lips and rivets.
 I have a plan for the old Sport. Once the body work is done, the new hood is on, and it's painted, it'll all come together.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #8 –
yea deep dish wheels look good

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #9 –
With the nine inch wheels, I can keep the 275 40 17's out back. Once the rear wheels get here, I'll decide on whether I'm using 9's up front with 255's, or 8's with 245's.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #10 –
a mark rear will get you 5 lug....but will push your wheels out a bit
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
[/COLOR]
5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
Join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_137541156293768&ap=1

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #11 –
None of the Fox cars around here anymore. They are drying up. I will probably just keep 4 lug at this point. Like I said, I can get the wheels I want even in 4 lug, I can still go to bigger TC or Stang front brakes and disc rear later should I choose to.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #12 –
I say that unless you have everything ready for the swap just stick with the 4 lug wheels for now..... you can always collect everything you need for the future, and sell the wheels when its time for a change again.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
[/COLOR]
5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
Join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_137541156293768&ap=1

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #13 –
Vinnie, I will keep my eyes open for a Sport...I'll get the backing plates for you. From there, all you need is the Stang axles, and some new Grand Marq drums. Easy peasy. Can you find me some Mustang tails for a '90 or so LX? Those will buy you the drums...I've got 90 bucks in mine... ;)

Hell, I'll buy the drums, send 'em to you for the taillights, even? If you can find some, that is. Let me dig around, see if i can find some Sport backing plates. Sports are rare here, but sometimes you can find an LX with the 10" drums too...those will have what you need also. Mustang axles are everywhere, in fact, I may have an extra set here even.

The 5 lug is easy, and obviously you'd need to change axles, but you could probably get away with redrilling the drums, but I think the Stang axles have a larger hub than does the 4 lug units. That would be my concern with re-using the 4 lug drums.
Clayton can vouch, I think he did the same thing I did with the Marquis drums, stang axles, and 10" backing plates.

I couldn't tell you if the length (track width, actually) will all balance out in regards to the 9" brake setup you have now. I don't think for certain the dimensions will be correct with Ranger axles, 9" brakes and the Ranger drums...I have a feeling it will narrow your track width by a coupla inches.

Don't give up on it...if I can find a pair of 10" backing plates, I'll get 'em for ya. From there, it's just a matter of parts swapping.
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

5 lug wheels.....

Reply #14 –
I'll see what I can find as far as Stang lights. Thanks Beau.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..